Claimed by the Beasts: A Shifter Reverse Harem Romance Page 7

  They knew her grandmother, had at minimum spent some time with her. Maybe Scarlet could find out what happened to her.

  “You’re just jealous, my love,” Trevor answered, winking at the plump, older woman.

  Maggie shook her head. “Nice try. My husband could whoop your ass with a hand tied behind his back. The chicken salad is good today, honey. We make the best in town.”

  “That will be fine.” No longer hungry, Scarlet took a deep breath before taking a sip of her drink.

  “Oooh! Maggie is on fire today,” Bristol huffed.

  “I’ll be watching you two. I’ll get your food right up, sugar.” Maggie held up her index finger before walking away.

  “So, you were saying?” Trevor leaned in, cocking his head.

  “Taking care of my grandmother’s estate.” Scarlet noticed the shadow appearing on Bristol’s face.

  “What happened to Viola?” Bristol struggled to ask, his voice clipped.

  “I don’t know really. Natural causes were listed for her death.” Sadness slipped into her mind, her thoughts focusing on the last conversation she’d had with the vivacious woman who had a lust for life. Mates.

  Follow your heart, child, for you are destined for greatness. Three men from the Pride…

  At this moment, the words were chilling.

  “Viola is dead?” Trevor whispered, shrinking back. “I should have felt it.”

  What the hell did he mean by ‘felt it’? “Yes. Were you close?” Scarlet sensed both men were shocked.

  “She was very… special to our kind,” Bristol murmured then looked away.

  “Your kind?” What was he getting at?

  Trevor took a sip of his drink and Scarlet noticed his hand was shaking. “The villagers outside the city. We’re considered outcasts from the town the majority of the time.”

  “Why?” She clenched her fist, her fingers tingling. The word ‘outcasts’ had been used again in less than ten minutes. She allowed another look at several men sitting at a few of the tables. They hadn’t stopped looking in her direction since she walked in.

  Bristol yanked out his wallet, tossing several bills onto the counter. “We’ll let you have your lunch in peace. Need to get back to work.”

  “Wait, I—”

  “Be careful, Scarlet. There are many in this town who were afraid of your grandmother. They will consider you a possible threat,” Trevor interrupted as he eased away from the stool, his eyes like liquid pools of fire.

  “What does that mean?” Scarlet heard the demand in her voice. When neither man said anything, she pushed harder. “I’m already having odd phone calls. I need to know what that means.”

  There was the same look again, only this time laced with fury, but she read their minds.

  Danger…

  * * *

  Larken stood in the shadows as the car pulled into the driveway, watching as she struggled to climb out of driver’s side. His cock stirred when she wrinkled her nose, a look of clear disdain on her face. She was beautiful in a way he’d rarely seen, a flower for some—food for others. The thought forced a growl from his mouth. Sniffing, the scent of her perfume was a sinful reminder of things he shouldn’t have. The stench of blood was also in the air, remaining from the hunt the night before.

  He would be forced to confront Jax, even fight him if necessary, the event as well as the outcome something the Pride needed. He was required to take back what he’d tossed away. Things were getting dicey and Jackson Riker, once considered a close friend, was now his bitter enemy, additional stories regarding the man’s behavior something he couldn’t tolerate.

  The exasperated call from Trevor with the news regarding Viola had been heartbreaking. Even more worrying, they should have sensed her death. Their kind had been blessed from creation with spirit touching, the ability to speak in a telepathic manner with their own kind, as well as obtaining mental links with other individuals, including humans. Given Viola’s intense love of the Pride, her nurturing spirit, he’d always sensed her welfare. Nothing had indicated her demise.

  There were only two reasons for the possibility. One, she’d masked her emotions and two, a quick and sudden death. Murder. If that was the case, no matter who the killer, they would face his personal retribution.

  Trevor had all but demanded that Scarlet be taken, secured in their village, ready to accept her ‘place.’ Yet he as alpha would make the final decision and he was no savage. He wanted her to accept her place, her role in their lives, in their destiny, yielding to their dominance. What he’d been told by Viola indicated Scarlet refused to believe in the magic of the ancient stories. He hadn’t been told nor had he suspected that Scarlet was his lifelong mate, a queen, capable of wielding more power than any member of the Pride. Viola had obviously kept much from him and no doubt from the Elders. Why? He would need to dig deeper, uncloaking the shrouded mystery.

  First things first. He’d need to secure Scarlet’s trust, let alone her submission.

  From where he stood, he could see just how beautiful her skin was, a stunning porcelain complexion. He could also sense her fear as well as her defiance. Given her blatant denial of everything taught by Viola, she understood nothing of the ancient ways. Meanwhile, his instinct had grown stronger since returning. He also remembered many things he’d learned about Scarlet from her grandmother. What he knew? This woman wouldn’t heed to his authority easily. She would need to be taken, disciplined in the old ways of his people. And yes, she would be punished severely for any disobedience. He would not push her, at least at first. Her trust in him was vital.

  And yet his hunger increased, tearing at his very soul.

  Shifting forward, he allowed himself to get closer, knowing she wasn’t going to detect his presence. He was as hungry as he’d been, but this time the need was for her sex, not her blood. Besides, there was an odd connection, as if they’d always known each other. Mate or no mate, it was imperative he remained cautious. Not a single soul outside his trusted circle could know she was the one foretold centuries before. If anyone learned of her existence, she could be killed or used as a pawn. Again, Jax came to mind. The man would no doubt enjoy using her for carnal activities at the expense of the Pride. He snarled at the thought.

  The closer he came, the more a series of electric jolts trickled though his system. He must learn to control the intense cravings. He closed his eyes and pressed his clenched fists against his temples. Pain tore through his head sending waves of nausea into his stomach. He bit back bile and almost stumbled to the ground. “Scarlet.” The strangled whisper left his mouth before he realized, the wind taking the scattered sound across the expansive field.

  Cringing, he moved further against the trees, fearful she’d realize she was being watched. When Scarlet turned her head in the direction of the sound, he sat back on his haunches. He could feel his beast slipping to the surface, a heightened level of desire causing the near transformation. Soon he would be unable to control his urges, his dark longing. Too soon she would be in danger, a prophecy fulfilled. As he heard a rustle in the trees, a silent passage of others of his kind, he knew the upcoming Red Moon was going to mean life or death. Sadly, he wasn’t certain he could protect her. She was, after all, one of them. A heavy burden enveloping his oversized heart, he allowed the change, embracing his needs for the early evening. He was going to have to feed.

  As the ground rumbled beneath his feet, a crack of lightning drove Scarlet closer to the house. Another storm was on the horizon. “Stay safe, my queen. Soon we will be together. Soon you will heed to my command.” He dropped to the ground on all fours, his bones crunching and his muscles stretching to the point he was wrapped in agony. Rearing his head back, he opened his mouth, issuing a silent roar, and raised his arm. The sight of fur covering his arm and his hand turning into a padded claw gave him a wash of peace.

  Even through the haze of his vision, he could tell she knew there was someone watching her, desiring her. Scarlet seemed mesmerize
d until a clap of thunder forced her up the stairs of the house. The transformation complete, he moved to the outskirts of the forest and licked his chops.

  “Who are you?”

  He could hear her words. Scarlet was much more perceptive than he’d realized. He knew what she was thinking, the questions racing through her mind, the terror increasing as she struggled to understand. He could no longer ignore the signs or his true destiny. Daring to walk a few feet closer, he memorized everything about her. Very soon, the world that she’d known her entire life would end, becoming her worst nightmare.

  She would be captured, trained, and disciplined in order to keep her alive. And he would protect her with his life. Tipping his head to the sky, he allowed a single growl.

  Chapter Four

  Death. You’re already dead.

  The words had remained in Scarlet’s mind since the horrific nightmare, forcing her out of her bed at three a.m. The ugly images of torture and dismemberment she hadn’t been able to get out of her subconscious. The visions had been wild, as if there was a war going on in the shadows of the forest.

  She was weak from lack of sleep, her mind playing tricks on her. Her stomach churned, her thoughts drifting to the earlier events. Why would she be considered a threat? She grabbed the few bags of groceries, struggling to keep them in her arms as she used her foot to close the car door. The sky had turned from a bright blue to a menacing shade of gray in less than ten minutes. A current unlike anything she’d ever felt hung thick in the air, humidity off the charts. She hated summer storms and the shadows they created, the monsters lurking.

  Laughing, she trudged toward the porch, trying to dig out her keys.

  Scarlet…

  The whispered word made her stop short. Turning her head, she squinted and scanned the surrounding area, her heavy breathing the only sound she was able to hear. Taking cautious steps, she was drawn to the edge of the forest, swearing she’d heard a hoarse whisper. The hair on the back of her neck stood up as a trickle of goosebumps popped all along her arms. There was no doubt she was being watched. “Who are you?”

  She could have sworn she heard a single growl coming from the shadows. Refusing to be terrified, she lifted her chin in defiance then snarled, hearing the ringing of the house phone just inside the door. Who in the fuck could be calling her now? If another one of the assholes was attempting to run her out of town, they had another think coming. She almost dropped the bags in her attempt to get inside, just as a clap of thunder boomed in the distance.

  Panting, she glared at the ringing phone and hissed. This day was turning out to be a pain in the ass. Her lack of decent sleep wasn’t helping her mood or her motivation. “Damn it.” She managed to drop the wet bags of groceries onto the small hall table and grab the phone on the fourth ring. “Scarlet Dumane.” A second and much louder clap of thunder forced a screech to erupt from her mouth. “Shit! Hello?” Through the crackling of the phone lines she could swear she could hear someone breathing. “Hello?”

  “If ya know what’s good for ya, you’ll get out before ya end up dead,” the dark male voice reverberated through the phone.

  She was used to her share of innocuous threats given her profession, but for some reason there was something about his ominous tone that rattled her. Watchful eyes full of concern. Angry expressions. Nasty words. She refused to succumb to bullshit or fear. “Excuse me, you asshole? Who the fuck do you think you are?” Hang up. But she didn’t. Instead, she egged him on. “Who the hell are you, you freak?” If there was one thing she hated, it was an asshole hiding behind phone or internet lines.

  “You heard me. We don’t want your kind here.”

  “My kind? Just what kind is that?” Okay, this wasn’t going to be accepted.

  Exhaling slowly, he dropped the level of his voice. The tone that remained was guttural and very threatening. “You heard me. If you don’t leave, you’ll end up like the rest of them. We don’t want you here.”

  “Is that a threat, buddy? You cock shit!” Realizing he’d hung up, she slammed down the receiver, resisting the urge to rip the phone out of the wall. Not a good idea. God knows she had no idea if her cell phone would work all the way out in the boondocks if the power went out. The ancient pushbutton telephone was stained and worn but she might actually need it one day.

  Another sharp clap of thunder was followed by a too-close sizzle of lightning, reminding her that she needed to get the rest of the groceries in before the raging storm hit. “Ah!” Crap. Crap. Crap.

  Racing outside, Scarlet snagged the last two bags of groceries just as the skies opened up. She couldn’t help but steal a quick glance at the trees and could swear she saw a pair of glowing golden eyes staring back at her. You’ve been reading too many horror stories. She dashed inside as the screen door slapped her in the ass and headed for the back of the house. Her skin remained covered in chilling prickles. She stood for a second and sucked in her breath. No asshole was going to bully her. The attorney had certainly done a number on her. After a hard clap of thunder echoed in the sky, she realized she was dripping wet and the air was stifling.

  It was hot as hell inside the house. Turning on the kitchen light, the dull fluorescent bulb accentuated the drab space, dingy from years of neglect. Her grandmother certainly hadn’t updated much in the place over the years. She set the bags down and scurried to grab the other one from the hall.

  Scarlet thought about the call and tried to put his ugly voice out of her mind. Her grandmother’s house was nestled smack in the middle of Bayou country after all. In the various discussions she’d had with her grandmother over the last few years before her death, she’d heard all about how suspicious the entire town was of strangers. Sighing, she tugged her iPod and travel speakers from her bag, clearing a space on the counter. As the head-banging sounds of Disturbed floated into the room, masking at least some of the raging storm, she willed her rattled nerves to calm down. Thoughts about the sound in the trees bothered her more than the jerk on the phone. She was no one. Why was she being watched?

  Opening a bottle of wine, she dragged out a handful of trash bags, beginning the arduous process of emptying the refrigerator, what little food there was. Thirty minutes later, she was ready to restock.

  As she poured a hefty glass of wine, she thought about why her family, her mother in particular, had refused to have anything to do with her grandmother. Viola Dumane believed in the occult and voodoo, carrying her beliefs into the grave. Glancing around the perimeter of the stuffy space, Scarlet realized it was going to take her more than her week’s leave of absence to deal with getting the house ready to sell. Additional time would be needed. Try explaining that to her grouchy slave driver of a boss.

  So many thoughts milled about in the back of her mind. Worried about the unknown, she put the rest of the groceries away in the cabinets and stood back gazing at her surroundings. Her grandmother had obviously thrown little away over the years. Clutter was everywhere. Hard work she could use but this was going to take some serious effort. Still, if she sold the house for a decent amount of money she’d have a tidy little nest egg.

  Crack! Slam!

  “Fuck!” Screeching, she gazed out the kitchen window as the trees swayed back and forth. Her grandmother’s home was surrounded by hundred-plus-year-old trees and Scarlet realized just how isolated the setting was. Too many thoughts about voodoo and creatures of the night rattled her brain. The realization made her shiver to her core. The blackened sky was swirling with dense clouds and the rain pelted against the side of the house, pinging off the aluminum trim. She laughed softly, chastising her fears. Grabbing her wine, she moved back toward the front. It was time to look around. Then she’d study the file the attorney had given her.

  As the phone rang again, she shook her head. Should she not answer it? Being afraid of anything wasn’t like her. She was tenacious and sometimes bulldozed into situations blindly. Her relentless balls were one reason she got the best and the worst of stories in
a crime-riddled town like Chicago. Chuckling, she put on her singsong voice as she answered the phone. “Hello. How in the world can I help you, sugar?”

  Heavy breathing was followed by a husky chuckle.

  “Hey, sexy. You want to come over, so we can perhaps take a tumble? I like my men all dark and dangerous. Yummy. I might just find your small cock somewhere. Might.”

  “Hmmm… Be careful, Scarlet Dumane because we know where you live. We know who you are and what you are. More important, we know what we need to do.”

  “What you need to do? Look… Shit.” As the receiver went dead, waves of fear raced down her spine. It was one thing to have a mysterious caller, but for him to know her name and to use the term ‘we’ meant there was confirmation she was being watched by a group. She swallowed hard and placed the receiver back into the cradle. Moving toward the entryway, she closed the door, locked the deadbolt, and turned around. What had she dropped into the middle of?

  * * *

  The wind whipped around her as she moved into the shadows, the full moon allowing her to see the ragged terrain crisscrossing her path. She was being hunted, pushed deeper into the forest. A quick look at the glowing orb reminded her why they were in this predicament. The warm red hue wasn’t easily seen, but she knew. They all knew. The time was near, the moment when all of them would be judged. She should be terrified of the unknown, but she was exhilarated by the possibilities. The future wasn’t set in stone. What the wretched men couldn’t understand was how comfortable she was in the protection of the trees. She slowed by a stream, her throat parched. As she lowered her head, the luminescent light sparkled against the rippling water, illuminating her face.

  There was no real surprise, no fear of what or who she was. She’d been forced to admit what she was a long time ago. Saying the words wasn’t needed. The coppery taste of blood remained in her mouth and even after several swallows of cool water, the bitter flavor remained. Some savored the taste of blood and gore. For her, even the thought disgusted her. She wasn’t like them—not completely. She was the unwanted. The damned.